Premier: AirBorneo’s RM375 fare fixed for a year, may be reduced further

Abang Johari speaks during the Batang Lupar Bridge 1 opening ceremony on July 9, 2026. Photo credit: Sarawak Information Department (Japen)

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, July 9: AirBorneo’s RM375 all-in airfare will remain fixed for a year, with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg hinting that the fare could be reduced further in future if circumstances allow.

Abang Johari said the fare was introduced to stabilise air travel costs for Sarawakians, particularly during festive seasons when ticket prices usually increase.

“The AirBorneo fare will remain like this for a year. If I am given the opportunity, perhaps I can reduce the fare further for the needs of Sarawakians,” he said when speaking during the opening ceremony of Batang Lupar Bridge 1 in Sebuyau, which was broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) today.

He said AirBorneo’s fare structure had attracted criticism, but stressed that the airline was not established to make profits.

“Why is AirBorneo’s ticket RM375? It is not because we do not know how to calculate. We calculated the costs and AirBorneo is not looking for profit.

“AirBorneo is a way for us to connect outside Borneo Island. We do not take profits, but we provide services and opportunities for the people to connect with one another,” he stressed.

He added that the RM375 fare package differed from some other airlines as additional services were included under AirBorneo.

“AirAsia is a different case. The baggage is not included. Meals have to be bought. But all these are covered under AirBorneo,” he explained.

Nevertheless, he said passengers remained free to choose their preferred airline, with AirBorneo serving as an additional option to help stabilise fares.

“The choice of airline is up to the customers, up to the people. But at least I can stabilise the fare,” he said.

Abang Johari said AirBorneo would also support Sarawak’s wider economic activities by improving connectivity and creating opportunities for trade and tourism.

“We already have our own aircraft. Our aircraft goes to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and soon to ASEAN cities.

“In the belly of the aircraft, there is cargo. Why not use that space to export our products to the ASEAN market?” he said.

Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Minister of Utility and Telecommunication as well as Sebuyau assemblyman Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development as well as Dalat assemblywoman Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts as well as Asajaya assemblyman Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development as well as Kemena assemblyman Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (Infrastructure Development) as well as Sadong Jaya assemblyman Datuk Aidel Lariwoo; and Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) director Datu Cassidy Morris. — DayakDaily